FNR

Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR)

Introduction

Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR, Agency for Renewable Resources) is the central co-ordinating agency for the promotion of renewable resources in Germany. Founded in1993, FNR’s main task is to implement the multiannual R&D programme “Renewable Resources” and the Market Introduction Programme “Renewable Resources” on behalf of the BMELV (the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, which funds FNR’s activities), and to assist the BMELV as well as other governmental bodies and organisations in all issues concerning renewable resources. In addition, FNR collects data on industrial processes and technology as well as from science and economy.This ensures a broad, diversified advisory and information service for industry, agriculture, administration and other interested parties. FNR has 54 employees and, as a registered association, 65 members including four Federal Ministries, 16 Länder ministries, and representatives of agricultural and industrial and associations.

International activities

FNR has experience in European projects since 1994, either as coordinator (CTVO-net, Altener cluster Bioenergy) or partner (e.g. NF-2000, IENICA, EUBIONET II, ERA-NET Bioenergy, ET Bioenergy and ERRMA) and has been responsible for the German participation in IEA Bioenergy since 2005. In collaboration with Swedish National Energy (STEM) and the Scientific Publishing services Ltd (CPL), FNR leads the secretariat of the European Biofuels Technology Platform.

Funding in industrial biotechnology

Within FNR’s R&D programme “Renewable Resources” – which, with some amendments, has been running since 1996 –, over 320 research, development and demonstration projects are being funded each year, on an annual budget of about 50 M € (2008).About 25-30% of this goes into projects in the field of biotechnology. At the moment (October 2008), there are roughly 120 ongoing projects in this area.

Current and future national calls that include IB

Support of applied R&D on innovative multiple use of renewable resources (RRM), biorefineries (2009-2012)

Fermentative conversion of RRM (2008-2011)

New paths to the chemical/catalytic, enzymatic and biotechnological conversion of carbohydrates, oils, fats and proteins (2008-2011)

Applied R&D on RRM by Young Researcher Groups (2006-2011)

R&D on industrial use of RRM by research consortia (2008-2013)

Note: Unlike other agencies, FNR’s application system is open, so proposers do not have to wait for specific calls but can hand in proposals all year round, as long as these fit into the programme.